/ MEDIA STATEMENT / The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

Statement by Abigail Moyo, spokesperson of the trade union UASA:

UASA, under its affiliation to FEDUSA, has written a letter to the Minister of Public Enterprises Mr. Pravin Gordhan requesting clarity about the recent Denel liquidation application by SAAB Grintek Defence (Pty) Ltd and SME Infratech (Pty) Ltd. 

The application is set to be heard on 11 October 2021 in the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria. 

UASA is concerned about its members employed by the state-owned enterprise (SOE) who have not received their outstanding salaries since August last year despite Labour Court rulings ordering Denel to pay up.

In the event that the liquidation applications are granted and Denel is placed in final liquidation this will be the death knell for thousands of jobs followed by the devastating social-economic impact of unemployment. Hence, FEDUSA and UASA urgently seek clarification on the following:

·       Does the State, as the sole shareholder of Denel, intend to oppose the liquidation application?

·       Will the employees of Denel be paid all outstanding salaries and benefits in full?

·       Will the Department of  Public Enterprises afford Denel the same or similar financial and rescue support that other SOEs such as SAA enjoyed?

UASA is shocked at how poorly government and Denel have handled the situation despite the very obvious negative effect on the livelihood of workers. This is not how a government or a SEO should treat fellow South Africans.

Denel workers have been patient enough for the longest time but management has brought nothing to the table. Instead, the company is facing liquidation without providing any information on the outstanding salaries that it owes to our members and other workers.

We urge Gordhan to present solutions and a way forward for Denel.

Issued by UASA